Hiragana Reading Practice With Hiragana Flashcards

Knowing every character isn't the same as reading. Real words arrive all at once, with dots, small characters and long vowels mixed in. This page gives you hiragana reading practice in two steps: first words you can read after each row, then 40 everyday words in four levels.

Use it alongside your hiragana flashcards. Flashcards teach the characters; reading puts them together.

Why Does Reading Practice Matter?

On a flashcard you see one character and have all the time you need. In a word, your eyes have to move along and blend the sounds as you go.

That blending is a separate skill, and the only way to build it is to read. The good news: it grows fast. A week of daily reading makes a big difference.

Which Words Can You Read After Each Row?

You don't have to wait until you know all 46 characters. Each set below uses only the rows you've learned so far, in chart order. Play each word, say it, then check the meaning.

The kanji in brackets are how most of these words are usually written. You'll meet them later; for now, enjoy reading the hiragana.

How Do the Four Reading Levels Work?

Once you know the whole chart, these 40 words take you from easy to hard. Each level adds one new thing, and ends with a short quiz.

Level 1: the basic characters

Only the 46 basic characters. You'll often see すし (sushi) written in hiragana on restaurant signs.

Level 2: dakuten

Now with the little dots and the small circle. You'll often see そば (soba) and うどん (udon) in hiragana on noodle shop signs.

Level 3: small っ (tsu) and long vowels

Count the beats. A small っ (tsu) is a pause, and a second vowel holds the sound before it.

Level 4: combinations

A small ゃ (ya), ゅ (yu) or ょ (yo) joins the character before it into one beat. Several of these also have long vowels, so take them slowly.

How Should You Practise Reading?

1. Cover the romaji. Read the hiragana first, then check.
2. Say it out loud. Hearing yourself helps your eyes and ears work together.
3. Play the audio after you read. Compare your sound with the recording.
4. Read the same set twice. The second time is always faster, and that speed carries over.
5. Mix in hiragana flashcards. If a character slows you down, drill its row in the hiragana flashcards.

What Mistakes Slow Down Reading?

• Reading one character at a time. Try to see two or three at once, like すし (sushi) as one word.
• Peeking at romaji. It's a habit that's hard to break later.
• Skipping the dots. ごはん (gohan) isn't こはん (kohan).
• Rushing long vowels. おかあさん (okaasan, mother) needs its extra beat.

What Should You Read Next?

• More words by topic: the Hiragana Words flashcards have thousands.
• Real signs and labels: the konbini and vending machine guides.
• Check every rule in one go: the Hiragana Test.

Where Can You Get Free Hiragana Flashcards?

The hiragana flashcards on JLPTCARDS.com are free for the 46 basic characters and the dakuten sets. You type the romaji for each character, and the ones you miss keep coming back. The Hiragana Words flashcards are the next step for reading.

Practise All 40 Words

Tap a card to flip it.

Frequently asked questions

Read a Little Every Day

Reading is where hiragana turns from a chart into a language. Learn the characters with hiragana flashcards, then read a short set of words every day and watch your speed grow.

Open the free hiragana flashcards on JLPTCARDS.com, warm up with a round, then come back and read Level 1.